Real Madrid fear Arsenal target will join Chelsea for free

Real Madrid are concerned that Arsenal target Sami Khedira is planning to run his contract down and join Chelsea on a free transfer, reports the Daily Star.

The German World Cup winger has just one year remaining on his current contract at the Bernabeu, and the news of a possible bosman move to Stamford Bridge has come as a massive blow to Arsenal and Real Madrid.

The Gunners were ready to pay the European Champions £24million to sign the 27-year-old, only to be put off by his whopping £150,000 a week wages.

Now it seems Jose Mourinho is the favourite to sign the player he managed during his time at Real Madrid, although he will have to wait 12 months before he can be reunited.

Chelsea are unwilling to pay big money to land the German this summer, having already spent big on the likes of Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Felipe Luis.

Mourinho remains eager to stick to the rules of financial fair play, and has told Khedira to hold tight for one more season.

Real Madrid remain concerned a deal has already been agreed in principle with Mourinho, with the German yet to sign the new contract on offer at the Bernabeu.